SEVERE SKIN REACTION
A woman in her 30s was hospitalised after using 88 Total White Underarm cream for a month, HSA said.
She developed a severe rash on most parts of her body, as well as liver impairment and jaundice from the cream she purchased at the Lucky Plaza shop.
“The product was touted to provide whitening effect and smooth skin, and reduce body odour,” the agency said.
However, HSA found that the product contained a high level of mercury and two other potent medicinal ingredients – betamethasone, which is a potent steroid, and salicylic acid.
Mercury is a toxic heavy metal and is prohibited for use in cosmetic products, the agency said, adding that it can cause rashes and skin irritation.
If absorbed through the skin, it can cause numbness, dizziness and headaches, and long-term exposure “can cause serious health consequences”.
As a result of mercury exposure, the woman was diagnosed with Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS syndrome), which is characterised by skin rash, blood abnormalities and injury to the liver that can be life threatening.
It is “extremely rare” for a topical cream to cause DRESS syndrome, Associate Professor Peter Goon from the Department of Medicine’s dermatology division at the National University Hospital (NUH) told CNA on Friday.
The condition “has a mortality rate of eight to 10 per cent in the medical literature”, Assoc Prof Goon, who is treating a patient that used the 88 Total White Underarm cream, said.
As mercury can be highly toxic, he noted that “strict controls are in place banning imports of consumer products containing mercury”.
“The fact that this skin-lightening cream was openly sold in a popular mall frequented by the public is, therefore, of grave concern,” he added.
Betamethasone is a potent steroid which should only be used under medical supervision as inappropriate use can cause serious adverse effects. Salicylic acid is used to treat common skin conditions such as acne and dandruff, but it can lead to dry, irritated skin and rashes, if used in high amounts.
Consumers who have used 88 Total White Underarm cream are advised to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Underlying skin conditions like eczema might worsen and result in other serious withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, confusion and low blood pressure if the use of products containing steroids is suddenly stopped without medical supervision, HSA said.
